Three People Sentenced for Transporting and Distributing Heroin
Three people received prison sentences for transporting and distributing heroin in Virginia, reported the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Law enforcement began investigating this illegal drug operation back in 2016. Over the course of approximately one year, the authorities observed numerous transactions. In total, the drug operation processed approximately 4.6 pounds of heroin. The street value of that amount of heroin is approximately $420,000.
The authorities caught a break in this case in March 2017. That is when police stopped one of the criminal conspirators on Interstate 95 in Chesterfield County. Police officers found approximately 2.2 pounds of heroin in the vehicle. After testing the heroin, police also detected traces of fentanyl, a powerful and dangerous synthetic opioid.
After legal proceedings concluded in the Henrico County Circuit Court, all three conspirators received severe prison sentences for their crimes. The judge handed out the following sentences:
- A 27-year-old New Jersey man received a sentence of 40 years for transporting heroin;
- A 52-year-old Virginia man received a sentence of 25 years for distributing heroin; and
- A 52-year-old Virginia woman received a sentence of 20 years for distributing heroin.
As the New Jersey man as well as Virginia man and woman start serving their sentences, it feels like a perfect time to review Virginia laws and penalties for the distribution or transportation of illegal drugs.
Distribution of Illegal Drugs in Virginia
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248 makes it unlawful to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute illegal drugs. Section 18.2-248 also makes it illegal to possess a large amount of illegal drugs with the intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute.
A single conviction under Section 18.2-248 is a felony offense, punishable by five to 40 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines. A second conviction under this section is punishable by five years to life in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
Transportation of Illegal Drugs into Virginia
Code of Virginia Section 18.2-248.01 makes it illegal to transport illegal drugs into Virginia with the intent to sell or distribute. That being said, Section 18.2-248.01 only applies to the transportation of larger quantities of illegal drugs, including:
- One ounce or more of cocaine;
- One ounce or more of other Schedule I or II drugs; or
- Five pounds or more of marijuana.
A single conviction under Section 18.2-248.01 is a felony offense, punishable by five to 40 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines. A second conviction under this section raises the mandatory minimum incarceration period to 10 years.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you are facing criminal charges for the distribution or transportation of illegal drugs in Virginia, it can be exceedingly useful to consult with an accomplished criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Simms Showers LLP have demonstrated experience in criminal defense, including the distribution or transportation of illegal drugs. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Resource:
richmond.com/news/local/crime/three-sentenced-in-henrico-county-drug-ring/article_d76c1a28-ae82-5c72-9c12-e45c95c1e5e3.html
